San Jose asks residents to respond: How to change garbage, recycling payment schedule

The city of San Jose is wondering if residents would mind paying for garbage and recycling services twice a year at an average of $180, instead of being billed an average of $60 every other month.

Or, maybe residents would prefer the average yearly bill of $360 be tacked onto their property tax bill.

"We're evaluating how we take advantage of pre-existing billing services and technology to help us avoid higher costs in the future," said Kerrie Romanow, director of San Jose's Environmental Services Department, in an email to the city's list for news and information.

"Getting resident input is an important part of the evaluation process. Taking the survey is a great way for the public to get involved with what we're doing," Romanow said.

As an incentive to take the survey, San Jose is offering entrants the chance to win free curbside collection of up to three bulky items, such as sofas, mattresses, refrigerators or other large items. The value of that service is $26.